When it comes to orthodontic treatment, we want all our patients to enjoy the best results and this is why we offer the world’s leading treatment systems. One of our most popular treatments is Invisalign, a clear aligner system that moves the teeth without anyone being able to see a brace.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an invisible alternative to fixed braces and uses a series of aligners to re-position and realign the teeth. These aligners work in a set order to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is different, but all are worn for two weeks and treatment is planned in advance, so you can see images of the treatment process and get an idea of what your smile will look like once you remove the last aligner for the final time.
This system is hugely popular because it provides patients with an option that eliminates anxiety and worry about image. With these aligners, the look of the smile won’t change and you can go through your treatment without suffering from a lack of confidence when you smile or speak to people.
What is so good about Invisalign?
Invisalign is simple, effective and invisible. The aligners cannot be seen, which gives you more confidence once you start treatment, and they are removable, so you have control of your treatment and can enjoy more flexibility than with a fixed brace. Invisalign aligners contain no bands or metal parts and they are suitable for patients with a wide range of orthodontic issues, from minor and moderate crowding to spaces between the teeth.
How does treatment work?
The treatment process is fairly straightforward and involves wearing each aligner in a set order for two weeks at a time. The aligners should be worn for a minimum of 21 hours per day and removed when you intend to brush your teeth or eat.
Many people around the world suffer from crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can spoil the beauty of your smile and also the way you feel about yourself and can be a serious self-confidence breaker. One of the most popular and effective ways to treat crooked teeth is Invisalign. Invisalign treatment involves the use of clear plastic aligners that are fixed around the teeth in order to gently push them back into position.
The facts
Patients who do not want to use metal braces can opt for Invisalign, as the greatest advantage of Invisalign is that they are almost invisible. However, not everyone can use this technique to fix their teeth. If you are a patient from London and have issues with your bite or severely rotated teeth, Invisalign might not be the best option for you. The best way to find out is by consulting a dentist.
How it works
First the orthodontist will create a 3D image of your teeth and then a lab technician will use the mold and the 3D map to make clear plastic retainers specifically designed according to your teeth’s size and shape. The retainers will be securely fitted onto your teeth and will slowly and steadily move the teeth into perfect alignment. As the teeth moves into place, you will need to get new aligners, with new aligners required every two weeks. They must be worn at all times, except while drinking or eating, in order to get fast and maximum results.
Effects
Many patients with crooked teeth have benefited from Invisalign treatment. If aligners are properly worn as per directions and if they stay on your teeth except for eating or drinking, then the results will start to show within weeks.
Time frame
It’s impossible to predict the time required for this treatment to be completed, since every case is different. However, before the treatment begins the dentist will be able to give you an approximate completion time. On average an individual would need 20-30 aligners for both the upper and lower teeth, so it may take somewhere in between 12 to 18 months
The past ten years have seen many new and exciting developments in orthodontic treatment, meaning that adults needing braces no longer need to worry about wearing awkward-looking, conspicuous braces. New treatments mean that patients have an unprecedented level of choice when considering what would be the best option for them.
In previous years, fixed braces have been the sole option for people suffering from dental issues such as gaps between teeth, crowding and problems with their bite. Nowadays, there is a wide range of treatments available for adults who require braces. The most prominent ones are detailed below.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a system of invisible braces which uses clear aligners to move teeth into the required position. The material used is clear plastic so that they are not noticeable to other people. Invisalign braces are removable so that you experience no issues when eating or brushing your teeth.
Inman Aligner
The Inman Aligner works to correct issues with a patient’s front teeth. It is a removable device that starts to achieve visible results in just a few weeks after treatment commences. The overall effect is achieved in between three and five months, when teeth will be straight.
Six Month Smiles
If fixed braces are required, Six Month Smiles achieves quick results. This system focuses on the front teeth as these are the ones that are visible when you smile. The effects of treatment can, in many cases, be complete in as little as six months. Six Month Smiles have been designed to match the colour of your teeth so that they are less noticeable, while the technology used works to minimise any discomfort felt while you wear them. For more information on the rage of braces treatments we offer and which would be suitable for you, contact the team at Clifton Dental Studio in Bristol.
Braces have come a long way from the wire and elastic variety that haunted 80’s teenage movies in America. Here are just a few of the more modern brace systems available at Clifton Dental Studio in the city of Bristol.
Invisalign Braces
Invisalign braces are practically unnoticeable, meaning you can achieve a naturally straight smile incognito. They consist of a series of removable aligners made from clear plastic. Aside from no one knowing you’re having orthodontic treatment, Invisalign braces are more comfortable than their fixed wire and elastic counterparts, which can inflame and irritate one’s gums. They are also more convenient, as you can take them out before eating and bypass the common issue of getting food trapped between your braces. The ability to take Invisalign out also aids with maintaining good oral hygiene, something important that can become complicated with fixed braces.
Inman Aligner
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end once your brace is off. It is recommended you wear a retainer for up to a year after finishing brace treatment and, predictably, relapses during this period are quite common. The Inman Aligner is a fast working device optimised to correct teeth, particularly the front teeth, following a relapse. Utilising a unique coil and bow system, the Inman Aligner can have your teeth straight after six to eighteen weeks (which is a doddle compared to the three years that standard orthodontic treatment can take).
We offer an impressive array of orthodontic treatments to straighten the teeth and create beautiful smiles and we are confident that we can find a brilliant treatment for every patient.
The wonders of braces
Braces are a really effective treatment for problems including crowding, gaps between the teeth, crooked and twisted teeth, issues with the bite and protruding front teeth. Braces have been around for many years, but today, patients have access to innovative new takes on traditional braces and there has never been a more exciting time in the world of Orthodontics. Today’s patients have a choice of all kinds of systems and appliances and treatments are faster, more convenient and more comfortable than ever before. Here are two of the amazing treatments we offer at Clifton Dental Studio:
Invisalign: Invisalign is a clear aligner treatment that uses virtually undetectable plastic aligners to move the teeth. With Invisalign, you can enjoy the freedom of a removable brace combined with amazingly discreet aesthetics. Treatment is suitable for most patients and the average treatment time is around 12 months.
The Inman Aligner: the Inman Aligner is a rapid treatment aimed at patients who have minor issues with the front teeth. Treatment takes just 16 weeks and the aligner is removable, comfortable and a lot more discreet than most fixed braces.
What would you say if we said we could straighten your teeth in just 5 simple steps? This may sound too good to be true, but with Invisalign, achieving a stunning smile really is that easy.
5 steps to a straight smile with Invisalign
Step 1: At your consultation, we will carry out some tests to see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign and explain how the treatment works, what benefits it offers and how it could impact your smile and your confidence. If you want to go ahead with Invisalign, we take photographs and impressions of your teeth and these are sent away to the Invisalign laboratory.
Step 2: Invisalign software covers the photographs and impressions of your teeth into detailed models used to create your bespoke removable aligners. When your aligners are ready, they are sent back to us. Most people have between 12 and 48 aligners.
Step 3: We fit your first aligner and your treatment begins! We will explain how to use your aligners, when to take them out and how to keep them clean and of course, we will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Step 4: you wear your aligners every day for at least 22 hours, removing them when you eat and brush your teeth. Each aligner is worn for 2 weeks. We arrange progress sessions every 6 weeks or so to se how you are getting on.
Step 5: you remove your last aligner for the last time and your treatment is complete! Congratulations, you can now start showing off that fabulous new smile!
If you like the sound of Invisalign invisible aligners and you would like to book a consultation, now is the perfect time to give us a call. Treatment typically takes between 12 and 24 months and the aligners are virtually invisible, so nobody will even know that you’re wearing a brace!
Invisible braces have taken the world by storm, but what’s so good about them and how do they work?
About invisible braces
One of the main reasons people used to put off having orthodontic treatment was the prospect of wearing highly visible, unattractive braces. Today, patients can enjoy treatment without this concern, thanks to amazing invisible braces, like Invisalign.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system, which offers a solution for all those patients who dread the thought of showing off a metal brace every time they smile. With Invisalign, you can get the smile you’ve always wanted without anyone else even knowing you’re having treatment because the braces are made entirely from clear plastic. Invisalign aligners slide onto the teeth in a similar way to a gum shield and once they are in position, they are virtually impossible to detect. This means you can do presentations at work, sit in interviews and enjoy social occasions without any anxiety related to what you look like or how you come across.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign adopts a different approach to other orthodontic systems in that it uses a series of appliances, rather than a single brace. Each patient is presented with a set of custom-fit aligners, which work in a set sequence. The aligners are made based on a personalised treatment plan, which is created using the latest imaging software.
Each aligner is slightly different and this allows room for the teeth to move. The aligners gently encourage the teeth to move into position and by the time you take the final aligner out, your teeth should look amazing.
The treatment process is simple and hassle-free. You wear the aligners in order, replacing each one after two weeks. It is best to remove the aligners when you eat and brush your teeth, but you should take care to ensure the aligners are in place for a minimum of 21 hours per day.
The advantages of Invisalign
There are lots of benefits to be enjoyed with Invisalign, from amazingly discreet aesthetics and improved confidence to impressive results, convenience and a lower risk of oral health problems. With Invisalign, you can enjoy treatment in secret and get a beautiful smile without having to adapt your normal day to day routine. You can eat, drink and brush your teeth just as you used to and you don’t have to worry about what other people think of your braces or how you look.
If you like the sound of Invisalign, why not call us and book a consultation?
If you are interested in Invisalign, the best thing to do is to book a consultation. The consultation is an informal appointment where you get to meet your dentist, learn more about the treatment and other potential options and ask any questions you may have.
What will we talk about during my Invisalign consultation?
A consultation is nothing to be worried or anxious about and there’s no pain involved or dreaded dental drill encounters. We simply have a chat with you to talk about the treatment, why it could benefit you, how it works and what treatment entails. In order to make sure you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment, we carry out some basic tests (such as X-rays or scans) to ascertain more information about your bite and the nature and complexity of your orthodontic needs. Invisalign has many benefits for patients, but it is sometimes not the best option if you need a lot of movement, so it’s essential to carry out these tests and examinations in order to achieve the best possible results for you. None of the tests are painful and your dentist will explain exactly what they are looking at and why the tests are required. They will also discuss their findings with you, so you have a sound understanding of your dental needs and you can learn more about why orthodontic treatment could be beneficial.
During the consultation, your dentist will outline the stages of treatment, talk to you about what actually happens to your teeth when treatment is underway and discuss issues such as cost and projected treatment time with you. They are on hand to answer your questions, so fire away and don’t be afraid to ask questions you think sound silly or aren’t relevant. If you want to know the answer to a question related to your treatment in any way, our dentists will help.
Once you are clear about the ins and outs of treatment and are sure you want to go ahead with Invisalign treatment, we can set the ball rolling and make impressions and take photographs of your teeth. These are then sent away to the laboratory in the USA and we will await the arrival of your custom-made Invisalign aligners shortly after.
Image is important to most of us and in the past, the look of braces and the thought of a mouth full of metal have been a barrier for many thinking about having orthodontic treatment. Now, thanks to innovative invisible braces, we can correct orthodontic imperfections without compromising your looks or the image you portray and nobody need know that you’re wearing braces. We are delighted to offer Invisalign treatment, which offers you the chance to undergo treatment in secret and achieve a beautiful smile with minimal hassle.
The ins and outs of Invisalign invisible braces
Invisalign has really changed the face of orthodontics and many people who were reluctant to have treatment in the past have found this a much more accessible and appealing option. Invisalign is different to conventional orthodontic treatments because it uses a series of appliances, known as aligners, rather than a single brace. Each patient is given a set of aligners, which are created based on their individual treatment plan. This plan is drawn up using state of the art software and it plots the movement of the teeth. Each aligner is slightly different and there is a set order to follow.
The beauty of Invisalign aligners is that they are virtually invisible. They are made from clear plastic and there are no unsightly metal parts. When the aligner is in place, it is undetectable, so you won’t have to worry about hiding your smile away or contending with comments or looks from others.
The treatment process
The treatment process for Invisalign is slightly different to that of fixed braces, as you wear a series of aligners. Each aligner is worn for two weeks and then you swap them over until you reach the end of the sequence. Although the aligners are removable, it’s important that they remain in place for a minimum of 21-22 hours per day to ensure the best results. You can take your aligners out to eat, drink and clean your teeth and this makes it very easy to maintain good oral hygiene and keep decay at bay.
If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign or see whether this could be a good match for you, why not call us today and start your journey to a beautiful smile?
Crowding is a common orthodontic issue that occurs when there is a lack of room in the jaw. Crowding can result in irregular alignment and overlapping. If your teeth are crowded there’s no need to panic, as we have outstanding orthodontics ready and waiting to help.
About orthodontic treatment
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the alignment and positioning of the teeth and the bite. Imperfections, problems with the bite and misalignment are fairly common, but modern treatments are highly effective and they also work faster than ever before, while also offering additional benefits such as discreet aesthetics and enhanced comfort. Treatment usually has noticeable benefits for the look of the smile, but it can also help to boost confidence when speaking, improve the overall facial aesthetic, increase self-esteem and make eating and cleaning the teeth easier.
Our treatment options
We are delighted to offer a range of innovative treatments, including:
Inman Aligner: this removable brace is a rapid solution for anyone who requires minor correction for problems with the alignment of the front teeth. Treatment is usually complete within 16 weeks.
Invisalign: this clear brace system uses a series of bespoke aligners made from transparent plastic to straighten the teeth comfortably and discreetly. It is suited to patients with minor and moderate issues.
Six Month Smiles: this discreet fixed brace treatment is ideal for those who want results fast. Treatment takes just six months and the braces are made from tooth-coloured and clear parts, so you won’t have to worry about what you look like. This system is geared towards patients who need minor or moderate levels of treatment for issues that involve the social 6, the teeth at the front of the mouth.
If you would like advice about dealing with a crowded smile or you’d like to explore your orthodontic treatment options, call us today and arrange a consultation.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
